Rome. It’s home to some of world’s most famous history, jaw-dropping architecture, and delicious food. It is a bucket list destination for many, and a dream come true for those who are lucky enough to experience the splendor.

I recently had the good fortune of spending a month in the residential neighborhood Monteverde Vecchio – and while it was certainly not enough time to soak up everything that Rome has to offer, I left with a daily routine full of a few things I really loved:

Breakfast:
The perfect day begins with a croissant and an espresso at Dolci Desideri, a quaint caffe’/pasticceria. Here, the lines move quickly as locals get an early caffeine fix. With everything from candies to cakes, Dolci Desideri is the place to go for a sweet treat.Mid-morning:
A bright morning is ideal for soaking up the sunshine at Villa Doria Pamphili, Rome’s largest public park. Here, you can watch children play, stop to smell the oranges and admire the breathtaking secret garden.
Lunch:
A panino – either prepared at home or at the hands of someone in the closest supermarket – is a good choice for lunch. The freshly sliced meat, cheese and homemade breads are inexpensive and delicious. If you’re craving something sweet after lunch, visit Dario Benelli at Le Gourmandise. Having previously catered to none other than the Pope, he certainly knows how to create a gelato perfect in both texture and flavor. Dietary restrictions? No problem. Dario has a variety of specialty flavors that are dairy free, including delectable limone and mandarin. These are especially indulgent when paired together.

Afternoon exploration:
An afternoon may warrant a short nap for the tired traveler, but it’s lovely to stroll the narrow cobblestone streets and shop in Trastevere, a short distance away.

Carlo Cecchini was my favorite boutique, his handcrafted leather boots and bags a worthy purchase. Walk a little bit further to find yourself along the Tiber River with excellent views of the historical Castel Sant’Angelo and Ponte Sant’Angelo – a bridge lined with angels.

A perfect day in Rome wouldn’t be complete without a classic aperitivo, so be sure to seek out Il Baretto on the journey back to Monteverde Vecchio. The outdoor seating is a prime place to enjoy a drink and light bite among locals.

Such great heights:
Close to Il Baretto, Fontana dell’Acqua Paola a wonderful place to see and photograph Rome in the soft light of dusk. Perched on the Gianicolo Hill, it offers a complete view of the city center. The fountain itself is also visually stunning, a backdrop beautiful enough for wedding photos.

Dinner:
Dinner at L’Antica Roma is a delightfully slow experience. The family owned restaurant is consistently full of regular patrons and cheerful staff that make dining in feel like a special event. Start with the house wine and mozzarella frites or suppli (a traditional fried appetizer) before slowly moving to the main course – a delectable fileto e pepe verde or carbonara dish. Because a waiter will never deliver the bill before being asked, it’s easy to enjoy a long conversation with a side of tiramisu, a café, or a digestivo.

As a three-hour dinner lends itself well to a nice sleep, the perfect day ends on a big bed with lots of pillows in a quiet place, under the stars of the Eternal City.

Until next time, Roma. I can’t wait to see you again.

Krista Gray is a community manager and writer who lives San Francisco. When she’s not exploring the city by the bay, she loves spending time in Rome. You can follow her at www.kristagray.com and find her on Twitter or Instagram.